Molecular phylogeny of Blastocystis isolates from wild rodents captured in Indonesia and Japan.

Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protist found worldwide in a variety of animals, including humans. Currently, 17 subtypes (STs) of Blastocystis isolates from mammalian and avian host species have been reported based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA). Among these, human Blastocystis were only identified among STs 1-9. Except ST9, all other STs comprised isolates from humans and other animal species. Entire sequence data of the SSU rDNA of nine Blastocystis isolates from laboratory rats or guinea pigs previously showed ST4, whereas Blastocystis isolates from wild rodents have not been addressed genetically. In this study, Blastocystis infection in wild rodents was surveyed in Indonesia and Japan, and 11 and 12 rodent Blastocystis parasites were obtained from Rattus exulans and R. novercious, respectively. All new Blastocystis isolates from wild rodents were identified as ST4 based on the SSU rDNA sequences. The best tree inferred with the entire sequences of the SSU rDNA of all ST4 isolates including 17 data registered in GenBank clearly showed monophyletic ST4A and ST4B clades. Although ST4 isolates from laboratory rats were separated into these two clades, all Blastocystis isolates from wild rodents in the present study were positioned into the clade ST4A and further separated into two sub-clusters within the clade ST4A according to the location of the host species. Considering the fact that laboratory rats were susceptible to both ST4A and ST4B, separation of the monophyletic sub-clusters of Blastocystis isolates from Indonesian Polynesian rats and Japanese brown rats may indicate the presence of geographical variations rather than a host-specific separation. In either way, the robust host preference to rodent species of ST4 Blastocystis was also confirmed.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Changes after Intraocular Silicone Oil Tamponade in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a serious and emergency condition that may cause visual disturbance. Treatment includes pars plana vitrectomy with a tamponade such as intraocular gas or silicone oil (SO). In many countries, silicone oil is still favorable compared to intraocular gases as tamponade for reattachment of retinal detachment surgery. The application provides a higher anatomical success rate, especially in cases of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) that were previously considered untreatable. Objective assessment of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the eye with silicone oil tamponade is a challenge because of the limitations and difficulties in taking images. This study aims to assess the RNFL thickness changes in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients using SO tamponade and its subsequent removal conducted on a total of 35 post-operative RRD patients. Central macular and RNFL thickness, as well as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), were recorded at the time of tamponade and after the removal of the SO at 1, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively. The results showed that the changes in RNFL thickness significantly decreased in the group of ≤6 months, especially in the superior and temporal quadrants, and BCVA increased after SO removal (p < 0.05). Central macular thickness was significant (p < 0.001) at the end of the visit. Improved visual acuity is associated with decreased RNFL and central macular thickness after SO removal.

A randomized controlled trial study on effectiveness between tadalafil versus combination mirabegron and solifenacin on treatment of ureteral stent-related symptoms.

Introduction: ureteral stents have common complications like ureteral stent-related symptoms (SRSs). This study investigated the effectiveness of tadalafil compared to mirabegron and solifenacin combination therapy in patients with ureteral SRSs after double-J (DJ) stent insertion. Methods: this double-blind, randomized clinical trial used consecutive random sampling in participants with SRSs after double-J stent insertion. The study was conducted at four different hospitals in Makassar, Indonesia, from July to December 2020. Ureteral stent-related morbidity indices which analyzed include urinary symptoms, pain, general health, quality of work, and sex scores. All of the indices were measured by ureteral symptom score questionnaire for the first, second, third, and fourth weeks after drug consumption, either tadalafil 10 mg/day (group A, n=25) and a combination of mirabegron 25 mg/day and solifenacin 5 mg/day (group B, n=28). Results: before the treatment procedure, the groups were comparable in age, gender, body mass index, DJ stent procedures, type, and indication. In general, the score in all parameters declined over the follow-up time for both groups. Group A had a lower urinary symptom score than group B at week III and week IV (all p-value < 0.001). In addition, group A had a lower pain score, general condition, work activity, and other complaints than group B at week II, week III, and week IV (all p-value <0.001). The sexual activity score is comparable between the group, except in week I. Conclusion: according to our results, we suggest tadalafil to minimize stent-related urinary symptoms and improve general health in patients with double J stent.

The comparison of anastomosis strength and leakage between double-layer full-thickness and single-layer extramucosal intestine anastomosis.

Various intestine anastomosis techniques have been studied and used, but which is best is still debated. In our center, double-layer full-thickness intestine anastomosis was still considered as standard. However, a single-layer extramucosal intestine anastomosis has shown favorable results. This study created an anastomotic model to compare the anastomosis strength and leakage between double-layer full-thickness and single-layer extramucosal intestine anastomosis. Methods: This experimental study was performed in 20 randomized healthy male pigs, to be included either in Group A (Single-layer extramucosal intestine anastomosis) or Group B (Double-layer full-thickness intestine anastomosis). Enterotomy followed by an end-to-end anastomosis suture was performed in the jejunum. Fourteen days after the operation, any anastomosis leakage and its location was documented. The anastomosis strength was evaluated using manometry. Data were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U and Fischer Exact test, considering a significance level of P<0.05. Results: The overall mean intraluminal anastomotic bursting pressure was 4,257±1,185. Group A had a higher intraluminal anastomotic bursting pressure but was not statistically significant compared to group B (4.726±0.952 vs. 3.787±1.252 kilopascals, P=0.063). One leakage (5%, antimesenteric area) occurred in Group A and three leakages (15%, antimesenteric and mesenteric area) occurred in Group B. However, statistical analysis with Fischer exact showed no significant difference of leakage rate between those groups (P=0.291). Conclusions: The anastomosis strength and leakage did not differ significantly between the single-layer extramucosal intestine anastomosis group and the double-layer full-thickness anastomosis group. However, the location of leakage was most common in the antimesenteric area in the double-layer full-thickness anastomosis group.

Relationship between metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and clinicopathology in colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: According to the WHO's GLOBOCAN database, ~1,931,590 new colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and 915,607 CRC-related deaths occurred in 2020. The incidence of CRC in Indonesia is 8.6%, making it the fourth most common cancer. With CRC, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has a role in tumour development and progression, such that patients with a higher MMP-9 expression had poorer survival. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between MMP-9 expression and clinicopathology in CRC patients. Methods: This was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional research design. It was conducted from November 2021 to June 2022 with 52 patient tissue samples: these were subjected to MMP-9 immunohistochemistry stain, with the GeneTex (Irvine) MMP-9 monoclonal antibody. Patient data were collected with clinical variables based on medical records and histopathological examination by anatomy pathologists. Results: Primary tumour location, cancer staging, and histopathology grading were associated with MMP-9 (P=0.016, P=0.001, P=0.049). The more proximal to the primary tumour, the higher the stage of cancer, and the higher the histopathological grade, thus the greater the expression of MMP-9. Conclusion: A significant relationship existed of primary tumour location, cancer staging, and histopathology grading with MMP-9 expression in CRC patients. MMP-9 expression could be a useful indicator for the clinical assessment of tumour biologic behaviour and prognosis in CRC patients.

Risk mapping and estimation of COVID-19 transmission in South Sulawesi, Indonesia by a self-identification survey.

The rapid transmission rate of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is multi-factorial but primarily due to population mobility and aggregation. This research aimed at estimating the rate based on risk mapping and investigation of geospatial distribution. It was divided into different phases that included data collection through a self-identification form available online; data validation of the data collected; application of spatial statistics; comparison with official numbers of positive COVID-19; and mapping of the results. The results show that self-identification based on procurement of independent personal data online had an accuracy of 89%.

Comparison of outcomes in patients with luminal type breast cancer treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: A cohort retrospective study.

Introduction: Premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer require ablation therapy via a pharmacological or surgical approach. Data comparing outcomes between treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs and treatment with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) in Indonesia remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare incidence of local recurrence and metastasis, and overall survival (OS) in patients with luminal type breast cancer treated using the two approaches. Methods: This observational retrospective cohort study examined 100 premenopausal patients diagnosed with luminal type hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who registered at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and its networking hospitals in Makassar City from January to December 2017. Result: Among the 100 study patients, 50 were given GnRH analogs and 50 underwent BSO. Incidence of local recurrence (P = 0.408) and metastasis (P = 0.419) did not significantly differ between the GnRH analog and BSO groups, although the incidence of local recurrence was higher in the GnRH analog group (68% vs. 58%) and incidence of metastasis was higher in the BSO group (24% vs 19%). The 5-year survival rate did not significantly differ between the GnRH analog and BSO groups. Conclusion: Incidence of local recurrence and metastasis, and 5-year survival rate did not significantly differ between premenopausal breast cancer patients treated using a GnRH analog and those treated with BSO. Further large-scale studies to compare the efficacy and safety of both approaches are warranted.

The role of MLC901 in reducing VEGF as a vascular permeability marker in rats with spinal cord injury.

Background: Damaged neural tissue caused by SCI could induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that can worsen the condition in the late phase by increasing vascular permeability, thus inducing tissue oedema, which can worsen the infarction. MLC 901 has been widely used in Asia for stroke patients because its mechanism is known to down-regulate VEGF levels in ischemic tissue. Methods: Ten Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this experiment. To create a severe spinal cord injury in animal models. The animals were then randomly divided into two groups. MLC 901 was given to the first group, which was the intervention group, and placebo to the second group, which was the control group. Results: This study showed a decrease in the mean VEGF mRNA expression in the group given MLC 901 compared to the control group, which had a very high mean VEGF mRNA expression starting after 1 h of administration of MLC 901 until day 14 after spinal cord injury. In addition, there was a decrease in VEGF levels in the MLC 901 group compared to the control group from 3 h after spinal cord injury (1 h after MLC 901 administration) to 14 days after spinal cord injury. Conclusion: It can be concluded that administration of MLC 901 can reduce vascular permeability, one of the mechanisms that is thought to occur is to reduce VEGF levels. MLC 901 also maintains the neuroprotective effect provided by VEGF by maintaining this level above the basal level until day 14.

The relationship between glycine levels in collagen in the anterior rectus sheath tissue and the onset of indirect inguinal hernia: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of abdominal-cavity contents through the inguinal canal. Protection against an inguinal hernia depends on the integrity of fascial tissue, which is maintained by collagen. Collagen is a structural protein consisting of amino acids, the most common of which is glycine. This study aimed to determine the relationship between glycine and the appearance of lateral inguinal hernias. To this end, the researchers examined the profile of collagen and glycine levels in the tissue of the sheath of the rectus femoris in patients with lateral inguinal hernia (indirect inguinal hernia). METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional design to determine glycine levels in rectus anterior sheath tissue in patients with indirect inguinal hernia. Examination of collagen glycine levels was conducted using the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay) method. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) program. An ANOVA test, Pearson's correlation test, and Spearman's correlation test were also performed. A p-value <0.05 was said to be significant. RESULTS: Across 72 samples, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.5 kg/m2 and, the mean clinical onset was 28.02 months. Correlation tests showed a correlation between glycine levels and clinical onset (p = 0.026). The ANOVA test showed a difference between glycine levels with age group (p = 0.025) and BMI (p = 0.015). The correlation between glycine levels and clinical-grade (p = 0.416) was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There is a significant relationship between glycine levels and age, BMI, and clinical onset of indirect inguinal hernia.

Profile of collagen prolines level of anterior rectus sheath tissue in indirect inguinal hernia: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal anatomical channel or opening. Epidemiological data indicated an increased prevalence of inguinal hernias in patients with connective tissue diseases. The biomechanical strength of connective tissue is highly dependent on the constituent of the matrix, including collagen. Fibroblasts produce and secrete procollagen containing high concentrations of proline and lysine. Collagen integrity plays an essential role in preventing hernia formation in the abdominal wall. To investigate the relationship between collagen proline levels of the anterior rectus sheath tissue in patients with lateral inguinal hernias (indirect inguinal hernia). METHODS: The study participants consisted of 67 inguinal hernia patients. A sample of anterior rectus tissue was obtained at the time of surgery, then being washed in a PBS buffer (pH 7.4). The measurement of collagen proline levels was subsequently carried out with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: All study participants were male with mean age of 44 years, mean body mass index of 22.6 kg/m2 and mean onset of events of 27 months. Study subjects with reducible, irreducible, and incarcerated hernias were 45.7% (44/67 cases), 14.9% (10/67) and 19.4% (13/67), respectively. The mean proline level of the study subjects was 9.20. Correlation tests showed a correlation of proline levels and age (p = 0.001), body mass index (p = 0.006), and the onset of events (p = 0.023). Meanwhile, correlation of proline levels and occupation (p = 0.235) and clinical degree (p = 0.164) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Presence if relationship between proline levels with age, and onset of incidence among indirect inguinal hernia patients.

Possible pathogenicity of commensal Entamoeba hartmanni revealed by molecular screening of healthy school children in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Although parasites are still endemic in developing areas, residents in those regions seem not to be affected by the presence of intestinal protozoans. This study aimed to investigate whether pathogenic and commensal protozoans are the causal agents of diarrhea via a school-based cross-sectional survey conducted in Indonesia, in September 2016. RESULTS: Molecular screening for intestinal protozoans in collected 144 stool samples from healthy students (age range 7-15 years) was carried out. The prevalence of protozoan parasites was as follows: Giardia intestinalis (56.3%), Entamoeba histolytica (0%), E. dispar (6.9%), E. moshkovskii (0%), E. hartmanni (31.3%), and E. coli (44.4%). Observational evaluation of stool conditions using the Bristol stool chart confirmed the loose stool rate (33.3-90.9%) in each age group. Logistic regression analysis of protozoan infection or colonization for loose stool (mild to severe diarrhea) as an outcome revealed no significant findings in examined protozoans including pathogenic G. intestinalis infection [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-1.67], except in E. hartmanni colonization (AOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.1-3.7, P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The molecular survey of intestinal protozoans targeting healthy population with their stool form evaluation could address the pathogenicity of those parasites appropriately. In comparatively higher-age children at least 7 years of age or greater in the endemic area, G. intestinalis could regard commensal, while E. hartmanni seems to possess a certain pathogenicity as a causal agent of mild diarrhea.

Three monophyletic clusters in Retortamonas species isolated from vertebrates.

Retortamonas spp. has been reported as an intestinal parasite among various host organisms, including humans; however, its intra-genus molecular diversity has not yet been elucidated. Haplotypes of the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA locus (1836-1899 bp) of Retortamonas spp. from humans (n = 8), pigs (n = 6), dogs (n = 1), goats (n = 16), water buffalos (n = 23), cattle (n = 7), rats (n = 3), and chickens (n = 5) were analyzed with references isolated from non-human mammals, amphibians, and insects. Phylogenetic and network analyses revealed a statistically supported three cluster formation among the vertebrate-isolated haplotypes, while insect-isolated haplotypes were independently clustered with Chilomastix. In the clade of vertebrate isolates, assemblage A (amphibian genotype), which included the amphibian references, was addressed as an out-group of the other clusters. Assemblage B (mammalian and chicken genotype) included most haplotypes from various mammals including humans with the haplotypes isolated from a chicken. Human isolates were all classified into this assemblage, thus assemblage B might correspond to R. intestinalis. Assemblage C (bovine genotype), which included specific haplotypes from water buffalos and cattle, was addressed as a sister lineage of assemblage B. Among the diversified haplotypes of assemblage B, a specific haplotype, which was identified from multiple host mammals (humans, dogs, pigs, cattle, water buffalos, elks, goats, and rats), indicates the potential zoonotic transmission of the Retortamonas among them. The genotyping classification of retortamonads could contribute to a better understanding of its molecular epidemiology, especially among humans and related host organisms.

Impact of a spatial repellent on malaria incidence in two villages in Sumba, Indonesia.

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted to examine the effect of spatial repellent (SR) in households at risk of malaria in Indonesia. Following presumptive radical cure for malaria in 180 adult men representing sentinels of new infection in four clusters within two villages, all households were given either metofluthrin or placebo mosquito coils. Weekly blood smear screening and human-landing mosquito catches were done throughout the 6 months intervention. Malaria infections occurred in 61 subjects living in placebo households and 31 subjects living in SR coil households, suggesting a 52% protective effect of SR. Likewise, anopheles indoor human landing rates were 32% lower in homes receiving SR coils. Differences in the malaria attack rate between SR- and placebo-treated homes was significant when not accounting for the effects of clustering. When the analysis was adjusted for intra-cluster correlation, the differences between SR- and placebo-treated homes were not statistically significant. The findings provide evidence of SR public health benefit and support a larger trial statistically powered to detect those effects.

Identifying the effective concentration for spatial repellency of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti.

BACKGROUND: Current efforts are underway to quantify the chemical concentration in a treated air space that elicits a spatial repellent (deterrent) response in a vector population. Such information will facilitate identifying the optimum active ingredient (AI) dosage and intervention coverage important for the development of spatial repellent tools--one of several novel strategies being evaluated for vector-borne disease control. This study reports initial findings from air sampling experiments conducted under field conditions to describe the relationship between air concentrations of repellent AIs and deterrent behavior in the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti. METHODS: Air samples were taken inside and outdoors of experimental huts located in Pu Tuey Village, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand in conjunction with mosquito behavioral evaluations. A mark-release-recapture study design using interception traps was used to measure deterrency of Ae. aegypti against 0.00625% metofluthrin coils and DDT-treated fabric (2g/m2) within separate experimental trials. Sentinel mosquito cohorts were positioned adjacent to air sampling locations to monitor knock down responses to AI within the treated air space. Air samples were analyzed using two techniques: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Compendium Method TO-10A and thermal desorption (TD). RESULTS: Both the USEPA TO-10A and TD air sampling methods were able to detect and quantify volatized AIs under field conditions. Air samples indicated concentrations of both repellent chemicals below thresholds required for toxic responses (mortality) in mosquitoes. These concentrations elicited up to a 58% and 70% reduction in Ae. aegypti entry (i.e., deterrency) into treated experimental huts using metofluthrin coils and DDT-treated fabric, respectively. Minimal knock down was observed in sentinel mosquito cohorts positioned adjacent to air sampling locations during both chemical evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to describe two air sampling methodologies that are appropriate for detecting and quantifying repellent chemicals within a treated air space during mosquito behavior evaluations. Results demonstrate that the quantity of AI detected by the mosquito vector, Ae. aegypti, that elicits repellency is far lower than that needed for toxicity. These findings have important implications for evaluation and optimization of new vector control tools that function through mosquito behavior modification as opposed to mortality.